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CELLULOSE ACETATE.

Valuable CAS 9004-35-7 / FILM FORMING

Cellulose Acetate is a versatile polymer, primarily recognized for its role as a film-forming and bulking agent that enhances product wear and texture. It also functions as a gentle abrasive in exfoliating formulations and contributes to a matte finish in cosmetics, demonstrating broad utility across skincare and makeup.

film forming bulking abrasive thickening binding opacifying

Science

On the skin, Cellulose Acetate operates through multiple pathways. Its primary mechanism is film-formation, creating a durable layer that significantly extends the wear time of makeup products. It also acts as a bulking agent, contributing to a desirable texture and improving the spreadability of cosmetic formulations. The ingredient can impart a matte finish by providing an opacifying effect. For physical exfoliation, it functions as a gentle abrasive in scrubs. Furthermore, it aids in thickening formulations and binding powdered ingredients.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range ≤100%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Studies at concentrations up to 100% demonstrate Cellulose Acetate to be nonirritating to mildly irritating, nonsensitizing, and nonphotosensitizing to the skin.
  2. 02 Research indicates its potential in skin tissue engineering, supporting cell adhesion, proliferation, and cytocompatibility on 3-dimensional scaffolds.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The ingredient maintains a neutral pH inherently. Its stability can be compromised by factors such as high humidity and microbial activity due to its biodegradability. Interactions with certain plasticizers, additives, or coatings may lead to phase separation or chemical degradation. Optimal stability and compatibility require a low free acid content. Formulations should avoid strong alkaline solutions and potent oxidizing agents, which can weaken the ingredient.

Conflicts

  • strong alkaline solutions
  • strong oxidizing agents
  • certain plasticizers and additives
  • high free acid content

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
100%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has deemed Cellulose Acetate safe for cosmetic applications. Testing at concentrations up to 100% revealed it to be minimally irritating to the eyes and nonirritating to mildly irritating to the skin, with no evidence of sensitization or photosensitization. Crucially, no mutagenic, developmental, or reproductive adverse effects have been observed. The FDA recognizes Cellulose Acetate as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for indirect food contact and also lists it as a direct food additive for technical purposes like thickening.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

Cellulose Acetate is a valuable, safe, and highly versatile ingredient, excelling as a film-former, texturizer, and gentle exfoliant across diverse cosmetic formulations.


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